Review: Cruising to Murder by Mark McCrum

Cruising to Murder by Mark McCrum, June 2018, 224 pages, Severn House Publishers Ltd ISBN: 0727888072

Reviewed by Geoff Jones.

(Read more of Geoff's reviews for Euro Crime here.)

Francis Meadowes is a crime writer and has been invited to give a lecture on the cruise ship the Golden Adventurer in return for a free cruise. This is the high end of cruising, mainly wealthy Americans, some British and a German. Most cruise ships have between 800 and 1200 passengers on board, but this one has considerably less. Sailing the west coast of Africa, the itinerary is not the usual tourist visits but unusual and rare sights.

Francis is befriended by German retired surgeon, Klaus, an elderly lady who is a widow and has sailed on many cruises and looking forward to more, Eve, and an American single lady, Sadie, travelling with her aunt.

When Eve is found dead in her bed and the ship's doctor is reluctant to sign the death certificate everyone is naturally alarmed. When there is then a “man overboard” situation and they realise it is a young woman who is travelling with an older man, everyone is then convinced there is a murderer on board, despite the captain suggesting it is suicide. Francis is asked by the captain to investigate because of his previous success at a literary festival murder. One of the excursion staff accompanies Francis in his investigations on behalf of the captain.

Francis gets deeper into the mystery and soon realises his own life is at risk. Can he solve the case before it is too late?

The author knows his cruising. I've only been on the larger ships, but the description of the activities and the life on board is similar. He has written mainly non-fiction books except THE FESTIVAL MURDERS which also featured Francis. This was very enjoyable and I highly recommend it. I look forward to reading more about Francis, starting with his previous book.

Geoff Jones, January 2019

Review: No Time to Cry by James Oswald

No Time to Cry by James Oswald, November 2018, 336 pages, Wildfire, ISBN: 1472249895

Reviewed by Geoff Jones.

(Read more of Geoff's reviews for Euro Crime here.)

Detective Constable Constance Fairchild has a major problem; Lady Constance to give her correct title, or Con as she prefers. Her father is Lord of the Manor in a Northamptonshire village but she is now based with the Met Police in London.

Con has just discovered her boss and good friend Detective Inspector Peter Copperthwaite brutally murdered. He was on an undercover operation and Con was his liaison. Her colleagues believe that she compromised his cover. Detective Superintendent Bailey is scathing of Con's role and immediately suspends her.

Con is desperate to clear her name but gets sidetracked when her brother Ben's girlfriend Charlotte asks her to find her sister Izzy. Izzy has gone missing from her exclusive school (Con went there and was expelled on her last day) and her parents the DeVilliers seem unconcerned. Con is estranged from her parents but is close to her father's sister, her Aunt Felicity. She moves in with her aunt when life gets complicated in London as someone wants her dead! Can Con clear her name? Can she find Izzy and why has she disappeared?

This seems like a new series for the author who is best known for his Detective Inspector McLean series which has eight books (nine in February 2019). Fast paced but at times fairly implausible, Con is a likeable character and there is more to be revealed in her background, so I will look forward to reading more about her in the next instalment. Recommended.

Geoff Jones, November 2018

Review: A Deadly Habit by Simon Brett

A Deadly Habit by Simon Brett, May 2018, 192 pages, Creme de la Crime, ISBN: 1780291051

Reviewed by Geoff Jones.

(Read more of Geoff's reviews for Euro Crime here.)

Charles Paris's luck seems to have changed. His agent Maurice Skellern has got him a three-month run in a play in the West End. His estranged wife Frances is talking about them getting back together. She is going to retire as the headmistress of a school, she has come into an inheritance and the future could be good for Charles. There is one problem, however, it depends on his giving up alcohol…

Charles doesn't think he has a problem with the booze but a few late nights and not remembering what he has been doing convinces him to seek help.

The play is really a vehicle for Justin Grover who has made it big in America in TV and film. Charles's part in the play, which is set in a monastery, is a monk who rarely speaks but listens to other monks' problems. When there is a suspicious death and Charles can just remember being at the theatre at night when it happened, he realises the police are suspicious.

Can Charles get back with Frances? Will the West End run last? Is there a murderer in the cast?
This is a very reflective Charles in this book which is very much a book of the moment as you will discover. This unbelievably is the twentieth book in this series. The author, an ex-producer for radio and tv, has written three other series besides this one. A DEADLY HABIT is very enjoyable and has a likeable flawed character. I very much recommend this Charles Paris book.

Geoff Jones, October 2018

Review: A Long Way Down by Ken McCoy

A Long Way Down by Ken McCoy, July 2017, 240 pages, Severn House Publishers Ltd, ISBN: 0727887300

Reviewed by Geoff Jones.

(Read more of Geoff's reviews for Euro Crime here.)

Leeds, West Yorkshire, March 2014. Charlie Santiago, a successful businessman, plunges to his death from his high, office window. There has been signs of a struggle but the police investigating can find nothing, so the case is consigned to the Cold Case Unit.

The following March, journalist James Boswell is meeting a woman in a run-down hotel. Besides the woman there is a man who surprises James and kills him. His widow, angry that the police investigation suggests he was murdered by a prostitute, contacts Detective Inspector Septimus Black having been advised by Sep's girlfriend Winnie O'Toole that he is the best man to approach.

Sep is working for the Cold Case Unit and persuades his boss Detective Superintendent Jane Hawkins that he should investigate. Sep finds that Boswell was investigating Charlie Santiago's death. Sep visits the hotel where Boswell was murdered and interviews the receptionist, but then she too is murdered. Then there are several attempts on Sep's life, the last one nearly killing him and leaving him in a wheelchair. He believes that the attacks have been carried out on the orders of Carl Redman who was an associate of Santiago.

Sep and Winnie plan to disappear out of harm's way. Sep's colleague DS Fiona Burnside is a great help, but Sep is aware his old enemy DCI Robin Wood is up to something. Can Sep keep safe? Can he find out who killed Santiago and Boswell? Will he ever marry Winnie?

This is the second book in this series. The author also has four books in the Sam Carew series. I've read several and you can always rely on plenty of action and an enjoyable read. Recommended.

Geoff Jones, July 2018

Review: You Were Gone by Tim Weaver

You Were Gone by Tim Weaver, April 2018, 496 pages, Michael Joseph, ISBN: 0718189000

Reviewed by Geoff Jones.

(Read more of Geoff's reviews for Euro Crime here.)

David Raker had been visiting his newly discovered daughter Annabel, and her family, in South Devon. The telephone call from Charing Cross police station was made by Detective Sergeant Catherine Field. Raker was told that his wife was at the station and had been badly injured and told them that he had done it.

Raker is devastated, he buried his wife eight years ago. Derryn and he had been married for fourteen years. She died after many courses of chemotherapy for breast cancer. There are some inconsistencies in this woman's story but basically she knows a great deal about their life together and looks very much like his deceased wife. The police contact St. Augustine's hospital at the woman's request and speak to a consultant there – a Dr. Erik McMillan who tells them that Raker is suffering from Capgras delusion, a condition where people believe that a husband, wife or child has been replaced by an exact duplicate.

Raker who has built a reputation on finding what happened to missing people, is facing his worst nightmare and begins to believe he is losing his mind. He still maintains that the woman is not his wife but because it's Christmas time, he can't prove it. He can't even find the death certificate he last remembers was in the loft of his house. Then when the woman goes to spend the night at a hostel the police located for her, she vanishes and of course suspicion falls on Raker.

This is the ninth book by the author in this series. I have read four of them and they are always exciting mysteries and this one is no exception. It keeps you gripped and guessing up to the explosive finish. Recommended.

Geoff Jones, June 2018

Review: Lock 13 by Peter Helton

Lock 13 by Peter Helton, December 2017, 224 pages, Severn House Publishers Ltd, ISBN: 0727887661

Reviewed by Geoff Jones.

(Read more of Geoff's reviews for Euro Crime here.)

Bath based Artist/Private Investigator Chris Honeysett is financially embarrassed yet again. At least his partner Annis has found a lucrative assignment at a wealthy man's house, painting a mural. Their friend Tim has found love with Rebecca. When Chris is asked by an insurance company to investigate the suspicious death of a man they believe is still alive it seems his problems are over.

Before he can get too involved in this investigation, he is concerned that Verity, his life model, has vanished and some unsavoury characters are keen to find her. The police seem uninterested in trying to locate her and a visit to a Travellers site proves dangerous to Chris. He borrows a narrow-boat and leaves Bath behind. He hasn't reckoned on so many locks and being followed. He meets many characters including a naked rambler...

Can he find Verity? Can he earn money from the insurance company? Can he rely on Annis and Tim to help?

This is the seventh book in this excellent series. The author also writes a police procedural, but on balance I prefer this one. Chris stays just on the right side of the law (well nearly) and the description of Bath and the surrounding area add to the enjoyment. Highly recommended.

Geoff Jones, April 2018

Review: Bring Me Back by B A Paris

Bring Me Back by B A Paris, March 2018, 384 pages, HQ, ISBN: 0008244871

Reviewed by Geoff Jones.

(Read more of Geoff's reviews for Euro Crime here.)

Finn lives with Layla very happily but has anger management issues. On a holiday in France, Layla disappears. Finn is interviewed by the police, a search is made but Layla is never found. Finn however has not told the police that he had a violent quarrel with Layla before she disappeared.

Twelve years later and Finn has relied on friendship with a work colleague – Harry, and a policeman – Tony, who led the search for Layla, to help him grieve. Finn has a relationship with Ruby who owns the Jackdaw Pub. However he finishes with her to take up with Layla's sister Ellen.

Finn lived with Layla in St. Mary's in Cornwall, although they met and lived in London and he now lives with Ellen in Simonsbridge in the Cotswolds along with Peggy, Finn's dog.

There are various unsubstantiated sightings of Layla, but suddenly small Russian dolls are found which have a connection between Layla and her sister. They had lived with their parents on the Isle of Lewis. Their mother died and their father was a violent drunk. Finn starts getting emails – could they be from Layla or someone who is holding her? Finn keeps these secret from Ellen. Do Harry and Ruby know more than they are admitting?

BRING ME BACK is an unusual book from an author I have not read before. You have to suspend belief at some of the foolish things that Finn does. It is actually a study in mental breakdown, but exactly whose, you will have to read the book to discover. Recommended.

Geoff Jones, March 2018

Review: Deadly Dance by Hilary Bonner

Deadly Dance by Hilary Bonner, August 2017, 256 pages, Severn House Publishers Ltd, ISBN: 0727887343

Reviewed by Geoff Jones.

(Read more of Geoff's reviews for Euro Crime here.)

Bristol, Avon. DI David Vogel is called to the discovery of a young teenage girl's murdered body, found in the red light district. The fourteen-year-old - Melanie Cooke was dressed to appear older and had been reported missing by her mother, who thought she was staying at a friend's home. Vogel who has a daughter of a similar age is keen that they waste no time in catching the murderer. Together with his immediate team - DS John Willis and DC Dawn Saslow they interview the mother Sarah Fisher and her husband, Melanie's step-father, and also Melanie's father who has also remarried. Vogel reports as part of Avon and Somerset Major Crime Investigation team to DCI Reg Hemmings.

Sally Pearson, the friend that Melanie was supposed to be staying with, must know something but is not saying much. Vogel and his team find few clues but eventually two more murders provide some surprising answers. Throughout the investigation we hear from  three separate characters:

Saul - wants to get married but is wary of women and has problems.
Leo - a gay man but reluctant to let friends and work colleagues know his secret. He regularly visits London's gay scene and is particularly attracted to one man.
Al – a paedophile. He takes risks watching children at play.

The author has written several police procedural books and this one is well crafted. I was unsure of the style of Vogel referring to his team by their surnames and his boss also referring to him as Vogel. To me this didn't ring true, however this is a minor criticism. I would definitely recommend this book and will certainly read more from this author, an ex- journalist who lives in Somerset.

Geoff Jones, January 2018

Review: I Am Missing by Tim Weaver

I Am Missing by Tim Weaver, July 2017, 544 pages, Penguin, ISBN: 1405917849

Reviewed by Geoff Jones.

(Read more of Geoff's reviews for Euro Crime here.)

Richard Kite is someone who has no memory of who he is or where he came from. He was found besides a lifeboat station on the Hampshire coast. His name has been made up for him. He asks private investigator David Raker to try and find out who he is. He seems to have a west country accent but is not recognised locally.

Richard sees psychologist Naomi Russum based in London. Raker visits Russom's clinic but finds her evasive. He gains access to her office illegally and finds photographs that she uses in her sessions with Richard, they include two photographs of a mysterious woman. Raker follows Russum to a school – The Red Tree City of London school.

Raker finds a mutilated woman's body on a disused railway site and connects this to the school, and particularly to a teacher – Jacob Howson. He meets the school's head Roland Dell and meets the sinister security chief Alexander Marek. Can Raker find out who Richard is and why he has lost his memory?

There are three parts to the book. The main part is with Raker's investigation. The second part is a diary written by a young girl Penny Beck. She appears to live on an island in the south Atlantic, very similar in climate to the Falklands. She lives with her mother and stepfather and step sister Beth. There is an area on the island fenced off called the Brink and all islanders are warned to keep away. The third part is a travel book around Britain's shores.

I have read a couple of the author's David Raker series and enjoyed his compelling storytelling. This book is equally rewarding. I didn't find the storyline around the Brink very plausible, however this is a minor criticism. Recommended as a good read.

Geoff Jones, October 2017

Review: Did You See Melody? by Sophie Hannah

Did You See Melody? by Sophie Hannah, August 2017, 336 pages, Hodder & Stoughton, ISBN: 1444776134

Reviewed by Geoff Jones.

(Read more of Geoff's reviews for Euro Crime here.)

Cara Burrows, married with two teenage children and living in Hertford, England has flown out to Arizona, USA and has booked into a high class resort. Cara is pregnant and neither her husband Patrick nor Jess her daughter or Olly her son are keen that she keeps the baby. She is hoping that sometime away will make her situation clearer.

Arriving at the five star Swallowtail resort and spa in the foothills of the Camelback Mountains, Cara is exhausted from the journey. After checking in she uses her key to access the room and finds a man and a teenage girl occupying it. Traumatised at the man's aggressive attitude, she goes back to reception, where an apologetic receptionist upgrades her to a casita complete with infinity pool. The following morning she overhears a guest – a Mrs McNair telling the receptionist about sighting a missing girl – Melody. She disappeared seven years ago and her parents are serving a prison sentence for killing her. Accessing the internet Cara learns that Melody had a favourite cuddly toy named Poggy (a cross between a pig and a dog) and she realises that the young girl in the hotel bedroom had a similar toy. From a photograph and allowing for the time difference Cara is convinced this is the missing girl.

Aided by two American guests at the resort Tarin Fry and her daughter Zellie they investigate. They find that a lawyer who has a TV show – Bonnie Juno made the accusations about the parents. How dangerous are the people who have Melody? And is the girl the real Melody? What about Cara's thinking time about the impending arrival?

This is an unusual book by an experienced author. I found it entertaining if at times a bit confusing. However I would recommend as a good read.

Geoff Jones, August 2017

Review: Miss Treadway & the Field of Stars by Miranda Emmerson

Miss Treadway & the Field of Stars by Miranda Emmerson, January 2017, 304 pages, Fourth Estate, ISBN: 0008170576

Reviewed by Geoff Jones.

(Read more of Geoff's reviews for Euro Crime here.)

Anna Treadwell is a dresser in a West End theatre in 1960s London. She has become friends with the star of the play The Field of Stars, the American film star Iolanthe (Lanny) Green. Lanny, like many theatricals, can be hard work, but the two women get on well, so it comes as a shock to Anna when Lanny disappears.

The theatre manager Leonard Fleet hopes that Anna can help in finding the missing star, otherwise the play will be cancelled. Leonard is also Anna's landlord, she lives in a small apartment on Neal Street in the centre of the city. The police question Anna and other members of the theatre team, but soon have other problems to deal with. They appoint Detective Sergeant Hayes to find what has happened to Lanny.

Anna feels that there is no sense of urgency in the investigation into locating the missing star, despite the fact that she could be dead and so she decides to investigate. She knows that Lanny has been seen in some unsavoury night clubs in town. She finds an unlikely ally in Aloysius an accountant who works for the clubs. Together they follow leads.

Anna however has secrets of her own. She is also helped by her one-time employer, Turkish cafe owner Ottmar Alabora, who also has the problem of his eldest daughter Samira who is causing his wife Elkin much heartache. Sergeant Hayes also has problems, he is very proud of his young daughter Gracie, but his wife Orla is dissatisfied with married life. Through a journalist who interviewed Lanny, Hayes learns that Lanny had a younger brother Nathaniel who was killed in wartime according to Lanny, but why does she have a bank account in his name? And who is Maria Green?

The author has captured the period well and we follow Anna and Aloysius as they try to find Lanny, with the police becoming increasingly frustrated with their meddling. I enjoyed following Anna's investigations. I would have liked to find out more about her past and how her relationship with Aloysius progressed. The author is a travel writer and writes also for the BBC. This is her first work of fiction. Recommended.

Geoff Jones, February 2017

Favourite Discoveries of 2016 (2)

Here is Geoff Jones' favourite crime discovery of 2016:

Geoff's Favourite Discovery of 2016

My discovery is Phil Rickman. A Lancastrian now living in Wales. He sets his Merrily Watkins series in Herefordshire. She is a priest, single mother and an exorcist.

Not a usual crime thriller, but mystery and death do appear, and there is a police detective - Frannie Bliss - who gets to know Merrily. Full of interesting characters including Merrily's partner the ex-hippy/musician Lol and her daughter Jane. When the series starts Jane is an awkward teenager and as it progresses she becomes a rebellious young woman! Amazon, on a daily deal, offered The Magus of Hay which is mainly set in the book town. I've now gone to the beginning. The paranormal is often in evidence, but this is a balanced well written series. The author has a stand-alone crime thriller The Cold Calling and the supernatural is very much in evidence. He has another series featuring Dr John Dee the Elizabethan magician. The books are always good value comprising of around 500 pages, very different but excellent. You believe in Merrily and enjoy her good times and suffer with her when things go wrong.

I'll definitely be reading more of this excellent series and also try his John Dee.

Favourite Euro Crime Reads of 2016 - Geoff

It's Geoff's turn to reveal his favourite British/European/translated reads of 2016.

Geoff Jones's favourite reads of 2016

In Bitter Chill by Sarah Ward
Death Ship by Jim Kelly
Mercy Killing by Lisa Cutts
Ordeal by Jorn Lier Horst tr. Anne Bruce
Death's Privilege by Darryl Donaghue

Geoff also writes: The Disappearance written by Annabel Kantaria was going to be my fifth choice, but I wasn't sure that it was a crime book, although it contains a missing person, was she killed or was it suicide? A good book, this is the second by this author both of which are excellent.

Review: A Dreadful Past by Peter Turnbull

A Dreadful Past by Peter Turnbull, June 2016, 176 pages, Severn House Publishers, ISBN: 0727886355

Reviewed by Geoff Jones.

(Read more of Geoff's reviews for Euro Crime here.)

Noel Middleton recognises a vase in the window of a small antique shop in York. The vase had been broken by him and his mother glued it back together. It had belonged to his family and twenty years ago his parents and his blind sister had been murdered and the vase was amongst items stolen at the time.

Middleton reports the facts to the police. Detective Chief Inspector George Hennessey decides to re-open the cold case. Hennessey's team is led by Detective Sergeant Somerled Yellich and includes Reg Webster, Thompson Ventnor and Carmen Pharoah. The team begin to investigate who has owned the vase since the murder and burglary. Hennessey goes to see the DI who worked on the case, now retired – Frank Jenny. They also re-interview Mrs. Anne Graham who cleaned the Middleton house once a week.

As the police team gather the evidence, it is apparent that this is not an isolated incident, but one of several and that four people were involved. The identity of two of the murderers comes as a complete surprise, but after all this time can they get the evidence to convict?

This is the twenty-fourth book in the “Hennessey and Yellich” series. The author has also written five books in a separate “Harry Vicary” series. I've not read anything by this author before, the style is unusual and it's difficult to place what year it is supposed to be. From the style I thought at first it was either pre-Second World War or early 1950s. However CCTV cameras are in evidence, so it must be fairly recent. Once you get used to the “dear reader” style it is an easy rewarding read. I would definitely recommend.

Geoff Jones, November 2016

Review: Death Ship by Jim Kelly

Death Ship by Jim Kelly, August 2016, 240 pages, Severn House Publishers Ltd, ISBN: 178029090X

Reviewed by Geoff Jones.

Read more of Geoff's reviews for Euro Crime here.)

Hunstanton beach in Norfolk. The Ross family are digging, three boys watched by their parents. They reveal a shiny metal object and start to throw stones and suddenly there is an almighty explosion.

Feelings are running high in the town because of a new Pier being built, but much bigger than the original one. Protest groups are organised and there have been various sabotaging incidents.

Detective Inspector Peter Shaw and Detective Sergeant George Valentine have the “Stop the Pier” protests to worry about as well as a missing Dutch man and an elderly lady handing out chocolates at the bus station, some of which are poisoned, and there has been one death so far.

Valentine also has the problem that his lady - Jan Clay (now a probationary police constable) wants them to move to a house with a sea view and away from George's favourite town dwelling. Shaw's wife Lena runs an up-market bar and cafe on Old Hunstanton beach. Their daughter Fran is growing up fast.

Valentine, on surveillance, arrests the woman who is caught handing out poisoned chocolates, but she refuses to answer any questions.

When a diver's net decorated with sewn-in Dutch flags appears on the beach, Shaw is convinced that the Dutch man – Dirk Hartog has been murdered; he was interested in a sunken Dutch ship from the 1950s. Bomb experts are called in after the problem on the beach.

The “Stop the Pier” movement (which includes some local dignitaries) are getting more and more ruthless and seem capable of harming the pier workers. Can Shaw and Valentine keep the peace and solve the riddle of the missing Dutch man and find the motive of the “sweetie killer”?

This is the seventh Shaw and Valentine novel by the author. Coincidentally it now matches the number of books in the author's original series featuring the journalist Philip Dryden. This is up to his usual good standard, keeping the mystery and suspense levels high. Recommended.

Geoff Jones, October 2016

Review: The Women of the Souk by Michael Pearce

The Women of the Souk by Michael Pearce, April 2016, 176 pages, Severn House Publishers Ltd, ISBN: 0727886185

Reviewed by Geoff Jones.
(Read more of Geoff's reviews for Euro Crime here.)

It's Cairo, Egypt at the turn of the twentieth century. Britain has been invited by the Khedive who is the ruler of the country, to assist in the running of Egypt. The Mamur Zapt is the head of the secret police, a political appointment and this position is held by a Welshman, Captain Gareth Cadwallader Owen. Many Egyptians resent the British involvement. Against this background our story begins.

A young woman, Marie, still at an exclusive school and from a wealthy family is kidnapped. One of her school friends approaches Owen to implore him to get involved with gaining her release. This can be tricky as a ransom is demanded and if paid too quickly could elicit further demands. If the kidnappers feel they are being ignored the girl could be murdered.

The Khedive feels that the Mamur Zapt's involvement is crucial. So begins a slow and tortuous negotiation with the kidnappers. The local Souk – a market place – hold the key to this dilemma. The local women although by tradition they have to demur to the menfolk, times are changing, and they bring their influence to bear.

THE WOMEN OF THE SOUK is full of interesting characters: the kidnapped girl's boyfriend Ali Shawquat, who is a renowned musician; Marie's school-friend Layla and the young girl who she walked to school with, Minya; Owen's officers Nicos, Mahmoud, Georgides and Selim; the man representing Marie's family, Ali Osman Fingari; the scent-maker in the bazaar and of course the women of the souk, who should wear burkas but have more modern ideas. Owen himself is married to an Egyptian woman, Zeinab.

This is the nineteenth book written by the author featuring tales of the Mamur Zapt. Though the story moved very slowly, but inexorably to its conclusion, it is well researched and made me want to know more about Britain's involvement in Egypt during this period. Recommended.

Geoff Jones, July 2016

Review: The Disappearance by Annabel Kantaria

The Disappearance by Annabel Kantaria, April 2016, 384 pages, MIRA, ISBN: 1848454406

Reviewed by Geoff Jones.
(Read more of Geoff's reviews for Euro Crime here.)

The book begins with Audrey Templeton on holiday with her two adult children, twins Alexandra and John. She goes missing, presumed having fallen overboard whilst at sea.

In 1970 Audrey Bailey, devastated following the death of her beloved father (her mother having pre-deceased him) decides to sail from England for Bombay to make a new life. She quickly falls under the spell of a suave businessman, Ralph Templeton. After a whirlwind courtship he proposes to her, but tells her he has two children, their mother having committed suicide.

Marriage is difficult because of Ralph's moods, jealousy and his need to control. She makes the best of it for the children. They eventually return to England to live. Audrey misses the sights and sounds of Bombay. She goes to Art class and gets involved with the tutor, but Ralph eventually finds out and takes a violent revenge.

After Ralph's death Audrey moves from London to Cornwall as she misses the sea. Her son John lives near and her daughter and her husband also move close. However John and Alexandra find trying to keep visiting Audrey exhausting and John in particular would like her to move into sheltered accommodation. Audrey who is only just approaching her seventieth birthday does not feel old and disagrees.

Then the twins receive an invitation to go on a cruise of the Greek islands with their mother. What could go wrong in such idyllic settings?

This is the second novel from this Dubai-based British journalist. Her first book was COMING HOME. I enjoyed the story of Audrey's life. The book reminded me of the type of book that Robert Goddard writes, and this is high praise indeed! I intend to download her first book now and would thoroughly recommend this one.

Geoff Jones, May 2016

Review: The Darkest Secret by Alex Marwood

The Darkest Secret by Alex Marwood, January 2016, 400 pages, Sphere, ISBN: 0751550701

Reviewed by Geoff Jones.
(Read more of Geoff's reviews for Euro Crime here.)

This is one of those “read in a sitting books”: well plotted, believable characters and a gripping storyline. The story moves between 2004 and the present day. Sean Jackson, a wealthy builder, was fifty years old in 2004 and celebrated with his wife Claire and their twin three-year-old daughters Coco and Ruby. They had taken over a house that Sean had renovated near Poole, Dorset. Also present were: the Gavilas – Maria and Robert - she is in media communications, he is a solicitor; the Clutterbucks, Charlie and Imogen - he is a Tory MP strongly tipped for the Cabinet and Jimmy Orizio, a doctor, and his wife Linda. There are children of similar age to the Jackson twins as well as Robert’s teenage daughter.

Sean's daughters from his first marriage – teenagers India and Camilla arrive but Sean was not expecting them and there is a row. There are builders next door, the weather is hot and the noise and heat make tempers rise. Over the weekend Coco goes missing.

The story in the present day is seen through the eyes of Camilla Jackson – now wanting to be known as Mila. It is eleven years since Coco’s disappearance and no sightings have been made. Sean divorced Claire and married Linda. Linda was killed in an accident at one of the homes they were renovating. Sean then married Robert's daughter Simone who is a similar age to Mila. Sean is found dead in embarrassing circumstances in a London hotel. The funeral is planned in Devon. Mila is persuaded by Claire to collect Ruby, the surviving twin, to go to the funeral. Claire won’t go to the funeral nor will India who now lives and works in New Zealand.

What happens at Sean and Simone’s home in Devon will have devastating consequences for all concerned. The Gavilas are there as well as the Clutterbucks, though he is no longer an MP,  and the disgraced Jimmy Orisio who was struck off the Medical register for impropriety, as well as Mila and Ruby.

I have never read anything by this author before, but I intend to read both of her previous books – THE WICKED GIRLS and THE KILLER NEXT DOOR. She is a journalist and writes well and is an excellent storyteller. I can't recommend this book enough. Brilliant.

Geoff Jones, March 2016

Favourite Euro Crime Reads of 2015 - Geoff

In today's instalment of the Euro Crime reviewers' favourite reads of 2015, it's Geoff Jones's turn to share his favourite Euro Crime titles:

Geoff Jones's favourite reads of 2015

Alex Marwood - The Darkest Secret

John Harvey - Darkness Darkness

Pierre Lemaitre - Camille tr. Frank Wynne

Anya Lipska - A Devil Under the Skin

Jake Woodhouse - Into the Night

Favourite Discoveries of 2015 (9)

In this, the last of the Favourite Discovery of 2015 posts, Geoff Jones chooses a new to him author.

Geoff Jones's Favourite Discovery of 2015

My new author has to be Alex Marwood, until I recently read The Darkest Secret I was going to nominate Jake Woodhouse, however Alex's book was brilliant, certainly an unputdownable one. The characters, the plot, the storytelling were first rate.

As you may suspect she is a journalist of some renown under her given name of Serena Mackesy. She has written a few books under her own name. However she really caught the crime and mystery readers attention under her pseudonym, with The Wicked Girls and The Killer Next Door.

Read them and enjoy a master storyteller.